Kellie Marie Verwey

With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the tragic and sudden passing of Kellie “Kel” Verwey. Kellie passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 28 years. 

Left to cherish and honour her memory, her fiancé, Travis Lundy of 5 years, where they resided in High Bluff with their furry baby Earl, parents Meechelle Best (Ron), Gerry Verwey (TaraLea); brother Mike Verwey (Alaina); niece Shianna; siblings Jessica Kaminski (Evan), Ryan Best (Brittany), Claire Lavallee (Sarthak); grandparents Vyra MacDonald, Norma Verwey, Loise Best. Along with Travis’ family parents Kent and Roxanne Lundy; brother Evan; grandparents Gordon and Pat McLaughlin. She will also be missed by her extended family Darren MacDonald (Trisha), children Brady (Kate), Josh, Quinn (Patry); Laurie Kitson (Jory), children Heather McLellan (Shawn), Ashleigh Koper; Roger Verwey (Susan), children Rodney (Jennifer), Justin (Kristie); Conrad Verwey (Beckie), children Jasmine, Karlie (Alex), Graham McCutcheon and Parker McCutcheon; Raymond Verwey (Jill), children Rachael Proden (Ken), Lindsay (Gabe), Brice (Paige) and Randi; Ken Best (Brenda), daughter Colette Thompson (Keith); Lori Bachman (Dwayne), children Kelly Halliday, Mark Bachman (Andrea); as well as many great-aunts, uncles, cousins, and her many friends. She was predeceased by grandfathers Waind MacDonald and John Verwey. 

Kellie was born in Portage la Prairie, March 10, 1996. She attended school in Portage la Prairie and Warren, Manitoba. Throughout high school, she was the goalie for the Warren Collegiate Wild Cats for 2 years and the Stonewall Blues for 2 years. Kellie received her high school diploma from the University of Winnipeg Collegiate in 2014. 

Kellie graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in 2019. Throughout university, Kellie not only studied in Winnipeg, but also in England and Iceland. After graduation, she wore many hats, working for the marketing team at Cabela’s, South Paw Ag, Bar M Stock Farms, and Robertson College. Most recently, she worked as the Tourism Coordinator for the City/RM of Portage la Prairie, along with cleaning houses and grading corn for Burnbank Farms. 

Community always held a special place in Kellie’s heart. She loved giving her time to local community events, organizations, and foundations, always approaching volunteering with her one-of-a-kind tenacity; “no” was not in her vocabulary. Kellie left her mark on organizations and events of all sizes. Starting as a teenager and young adult, she volunteered as a female youth hockey coach in Warren. Oakland Rec Club, High Bluff Hall, Portage and District General Hospital Foundation, and Central Plains Cancer Care also all benefitted from her wealth of knowledge and ability to bring people together. Up to her passing, she was a volunteer for the 2025 Viterra Men’s Provincial Curling Championship, to be held in Portage la Prairie this February. 

In September 2021, Kellie and Travis opened Roasts and Toasts, and there began an outstanding new venture. The dream of a mobile bar came to fruition and a legacy was born. Serving the community from weddings to corporate and non-profit events, this led to Kellie and Travis being honoured with the Outstanding New Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024 Award. 

Kellie loved all things outdoors, from snowmobiling and hunting to numerous hours in the yard and garden. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and their kids, waiting for the day she could start her own family with Travis. Kellie loved a good Caesar, in the company of great family and friends! Cheers to our girl taken too soon!

A celebration of Kel’s life will take place at the MNP Building, Island Park Portage la Prairie, MB on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00pm. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view the service visit Kel’s obituary page at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to a soon to be established fund in memory of Kellie Verwey c/o Community Foundation of Portage and District - 206 Saskatchewan Ave E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com